Christmas Concert Information  Tuesday, December 15th 
7:00 pm HHS Auditorium
To reserve your free seat:  https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/43806
*Anyone without a seat reservation will be seated at 6:55 pm with any remaining open seats (if available).  Please reserve your seat prior to the concert so we can make every attempt to accommodate everyone!
​
Student Attire
Tuxedos and Concert Dresses with holiday accessories (same as Fall concert but with holiday accessories).  

Student Arrival Schedule:
5:30 pm -  Students that drive / leadership / anyone else willing to come early for pictures
6:00 pm - Symphonic Band students (Pictures at 6:00, warm up on stage at 6:30)
6:15 pm - Wind Ensemble Students (Individual Warm up at 6:15,
6:30 PM - Pictures
6:50PM - Group Warm Up Band Room

INDIVIDUAL PICTURES!!!
Every year we take individual photos both for archival purposes and to give families the opportunity to buy a nice band photo of your student.  We normally do this during band camp, but it was not an option this year.  We need EVERY student that attends the concert to get an individual picture taken on Tuesday evening.   We will have a color guard and make-up date on a school day in January/February for those that are quarantined or HVA.  

Lifetouch photography will set up 3 photographers in the lobby from 5:30 to the end of the concert.  We are asking for students that drive or students that can come early to do so at 5:30 pm.   The more pictures we can take at 5:30, the smoother the pictures will go throughout the night.  

Students will take the picture in their concert attire with their instrument.   No holiday accessories in the formal picture please!  

If you are interested in ordering photos, please see the attached form. Its is embedded in this newsletter and is labeled as "Picture Form Download".   Photographers will not be accepting money or these forms on Tuesday - they are just taking photos!!  You will have the chance to purpose the photos after the proofs are returned.

All State / District Honor Band Audition Instructions (optional)
Registration for the virtual all state / district honor band auditions begins Monday.  To register to audition, place a $25 check in the band box with your name and all state/district honor band auditions on it.  The last day you can turn in your check is Friday, December 18th.
How the audition will work:
Students will submit their audition on an app called "Heart Out," which you can download on a device.  Submissions can be recorded between January 13-22nd.  Students are able to record their full audition 3 times and then are able to choose their best of those three to submit for their audition.  Auditions this year will include scales, the two prepared etudes, and tone.  There will be no sight-reading.  Because it's difficult to monitor virtually, scales will not have to be from memory this year (although most of you know them from memory anyway).   You will receive a sheet with detailed instructions on how to audition with the best recording possible.    
Every attempt is being made for district honor band and all state band to take place in-person this year.  District Honor Band is currently scheduled for February 12-13.  However, it is possibly getting moved to early April (date TBA).  All State Band is scheduled to happen April 15-17 in Mobile.  For this year only - If you want to audition but have hesitations about participating in an in-person honor band event, I would recommend you audition and make the decision closer to the event as to whether you should participate.  The Alabama Bandmasters Association is working hard to make these events safe for everyone.
​
Upcoming Schedule
All State Virtual Band Auditions Registration due Dec 18th.   Audition January 13-22nd
​Winter Camp - February 4-6 (required of all wind ensemble and symphonic band members)

The VBC is offering another great volunteer opportunity to Band Parents and Students (16 years and older) to work concessions during Havoc games. Both Parents and students are able to earn money for their band account and the band at the same time. Please sign up through the link below!!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-hhsband

VBC Havoc Volunteers: 
Band Parents...The Havoc is ready and so are we!! For those who have been through the VBC Responsible Vendor Training please be on the lookout for a link in your email (sent separately from newsletter) to sign up for the first two HAVOC games. This is a great opportunity to earn money for our kids and the band!!! 

Hello Band Parents!

This is a great opportunity for the band, our students and the parents!

The HHS Band organization works closely with the VBC as volunteers to check IDs of patrons for Huntsville Havoc games. These upcoming volunteer opportunities allow you to earn money for your student’s band account as well as much needed funds for the band.

If you wish to volunteer at the VBC for Havoc games and have not previously participated in the VBC Responsible Vendor Training course please sign up in the link below. 

The class will be Thursday 12/10 from 6-9pm at the VBC. Please sign up immediately!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A5AA29A6F4C70-vbcresponsible

After you start working Havoc games you will earn money for your student and the band, with 60% going to the student’s band account and 40% going to the band.


Regards
Sheri Polzin ([email protected]) 
HHS Band VBC Coordinator

Winter Concert  is Tuesday, December 15th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.  This concert will be done similar to the last concert.  To reserve your free seat, please go to this link:  https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/43806
We ask that you make every effort to reserve a block of seats that fits the number in your group.  (For example, if you have 2 people in your party, don't reserve in a block of 4 seats).  If you need a single seat, you can reserve a block of 2 seats (reserve both seats) since we don't have any single seats listed.
Full Schedule and information will be in next week's newsletter.  We are working on having individual photos (tuxedos/concert dresses) taken this evening since we were not able to do marching band photos in the spring.  More information next Sunday!

All State / District Honor Band Audition Instructions (optional)
Registration for the virtual all state / district honor band auditions begins Monday.  To register to audition, place a $25 check in the band box with your name and all state/district honor band auditions on it.  The last day you can turn in your check is Friday, December 18th.
How the audition will work:  Students will submit their audition on an app called "Heart Out," which you can download on a device.  Submissions can be recorded between January 13-22nd.  Students are able to record their full audition 3 times and then are able to choose their best of those three to submit for their audition.  Auditions this year will include scales, the two prepared etudes, and tone.  There will be no sight-reading.  Because it's difficult to monitor virtually, scales will not have to be from memory this year (although most of you know them from memory anyway).   You will receive a sheet with detailed instructions on how to audition with the best recording possible.    
Every attempt is being made for district honor band and all state band to take place in-person this year.  District Honor Band is currently scheduled for February 12-13.  However, it is possibly getting moved to early April (date TBA).  All State Band is scheduled to happen April 15-17 in Mobile.  For this year only - If you want to audition but have hesitations about participating in an in-person honor band event, I would recommend you audition and make the decision closer to the event as to whether you should participate.  The Alabama Bandmasters Association is working hard to make these events safe for everyone.
​
Upcoming Schedule
Winter Concert – Tuesday, December 15th. 7:00 pm  Auditorium
All State Virtual Band Auditions Registration due Dec 18th.   Audition January 13-22nd
Winter Camp - February 4-6 (required of all wind ensemble and symphonic band members)


​FROM THE DESK OF Holly Connell - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF BANDS

Dear Parents,

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for being flexible with the rescheduling of practices during yet another unforeseen calamity!  It was great to see the kids and get them playing again.  That being said, for this concert on the 15th and for the remainder of the year, I need to set a minimum standard for participation.  I am fully aware of the concerns surrounding the rising numbers of COVID cases, especially with flu season upon us, and I respect the decision and necessity of some students to remain HVA.  However, if students are unable to attend after school practices, I cannot permit them to perform.  There is too much information being missed and now with the lack of virtual capabilities, there is no other way for students to receive this type of instruction.  I know how much many of these students look forward to band and I really hate to have to do this, but putting together performances in any capacity right now is difficult enough without trying to incorporate students who have not been to practice.  

Like all of you, I am hoping that at some point we will be able to go back to "normal" and have regular, in-person instruction.  

If you have any concerns regarding this, please don't hesitate to contact me!  [email protected] 

Thank you so much for your understanding and patience.  

Holly Connell
​HHS Associate Director of Bands